Burton Wheeler on Owning Public Officials
on Saturday, September 28, 2013Burton K. Wheeler Money Quotation saying in 1907, as Montana District Attorney and Legislator, he sought to end power abuses by the Anaconda Copper Mining (ACM) Company. Burton K. Wheeler said:
“We are opposed to private ownership of public officials, if elected, I will not put the ACM out of business. But I will put it out of politics” — Burton K. Wheeler
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To interpret this quote by Burton K. Wheeler, it’s helpful to understand the context:
- “We are opposed to private ownership of public officials” suggests a stance against corruption and the undue influence of private interests on elected officials.”
- “ACM” likely refers to the Anaconda Copper Mining Company, a powerful corporation in Montana during Wheeler’s time.
- I will not put the ACM out of business” indicates Wheeler’s intention to allow the company to continue its operations.
- “But I will put it out of politics” implies his commitment to limiting the company’s political influence.
The best interpretation is that Wheeler was advocating for a separation between business interests and political power, promising to maintain a fair business environment while reducing corporate influence in government affairs.
Birthday: February 27, 1882 – Death: January 6, 1975